SETTLEMENT IN PUHIPUHI.

Northern Advocate, 3 October 1913, Page 6

SETTLEMENT IN PUHIPUHI.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In a recent issue of your paper appears a letter from myself on mining in Puhipuhi. In the same I made a statement about the lessees here being only half their time on their holdings. There seems to be a misunderstanding as to what meaning I wished to convey. I wish it to be understood that I did not mean that these persons were wilfully off tboir land, but that the circumstances under which they are placed forces t.iem to neglect their leases as their land is not of that quality nor is the situation conducive to their being able to make a living all the year round on their holdings. Thus they have kOp.be off their holdings at other outside labour to help them exist; in most cases many miles away from , their holdings. Now if labour were available close to their homes they would be able to look after their sections better and their presence at all times on their sections would induce persons to bring nearer to their doors the benefits of civilisation. Thus mining or any other industry would be a benefit to all. I consider that a man taking up land here and in most places in the North should be treated more leniently than those who have good ground and none of the obstacles that we in the North have to contend with. Trusting those who have been hurt by my few, perhaps not too clear, remarks that this explanation will suffice. —I am, etc. T.. MITCHELL, Puhipuhi.